Colleen Cavanaugh

Dr. Cavanaugh’s research primarily involves the study of symbioses of bacteria in marine invertebrates from deep-sea hydrothermal vents, methane seeps, and coastal reducing sediments. Specific emphasis is placed on the characterization of metabolic and genetic capabilities of symbionts, evolutionary relationships with free-living bacteria, and co-evolution of host and symbiont.

Dr. Cavanaugh received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard. She was a member of the MBL Board of Trustees from 2012 – 2015 and was appointed Speaker of the MBL Society in 2012.